Real-time messaging in a supply chain financing network

ABSTRACT

A system and method for transmitting real-time messages within a supply chain financing (SCF) network using a using a customized and improved messaging protocol is provided. A computing device receives a SCF request message having an SCF messaging protocol including a plurality of data fields including SCF request data related to a request for supply chain financing including an early payment identifier, parses the SCF request message based upon the SCF messaging protocol, selects a financing entity for receiving the request, stores within the memory device the SCF request data, transmits an early payment message having the same messaging protocol to the selected financing entity, receives a confirmation message having the same SCF messaging protocol from the financing entity including a plurality of data fields including SCF confirmation data, and stores within the memory device the SCF confirmation data with the SCF request data.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to data transmission and, more particularly, to systems and methods for transmitting real-time messages within a supply chain financing (SCF) network using a customized and improved messaging protocol.

Computing devices are used to communicate information. An entity wishing to communicate information electronically to other entities can use a computing device to transmit a message containing information to other computing devices through a telecommunications network. Because these messages are in the form of encoded binary data, such messages must be sent according to a predetermined protocol, so that the computing device receiving the message can interpret the binary data to ascertain the information being received. A message standard is an example of such a protocol.

Message standards are developed and defined by various organizations. For example, the ISO 20022 message standard is defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the transfer of information between financial institutions. The ISO 20022 standard allows for, in some cases, financial data to be transmitted in a message from one institution to another. Because standards are oftentimes accepted by multiple parties, messages sent according to standards such as ISO 20022 are increasingly gaining acceptance in various contexts.

Currently, no such messages, however, are used to support supply chain financing. In a supply chain financing (SCF) transaction, a supplier receives payment of an invoice from a financing entity, less a discount, on an accelerated timeframe. The financing entity is then paid the full invoice amount when the invoice is due.

SCF transactions, by their nature of involving multiple entities, require the transfer of financial data from one entity to another. It is therefore desirable to have real-time messaging of financial data between these entities where messages are sent according to a specific message standard, and wherein these messages can be easily linked together to create a complete transaction history for storage in a central database.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, this disclosure provides a computing device for processing real-time messages for a supply chain financing (SCF) transaction. The messages have a standardized messaging protocol. The computing device includes at least one processor and memory device in communication with the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to receive a SCF request message including a plurality of data fields including SCF request data related to a request for providing supply chain financing wherein the SCF request message is generated using a SCF messaging protocol and includes an early payment identifier, parse the SCF request message based upon the SCF messaging protocol, select a financing entity for receiving the request for providing supply chain financing, store within the memory device the SCF request data including the early payment identifier parsed from the SCF request message and the selected financing entity, transmit an early payment message to the selected financing entity including a plurality of data fields related to providing of the supply chain financing wherein the early payment message has the same SCF messaging protocol and early payment identifier, and receive a confirmation message from the financing entity including a plurality of data fields including SCF confirmation data related to confirming early payment to the supplier by the selected financing entity wherein the confirmation message has the same SCF messaging protocol and the early payment identifier, and store within the memory device the SCF confirmation data with the SCF request data, wherein the early payment identifier allows for the messages to be linked together within the memory device.

In another aspect, this disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for processing real-time messages for a supply chain financing (SCF) transaction. The messages have a standardized messaging protocol. The method is implemented by a computing device including at least one processor and memory device in communication with the at least one processor. The method includes receiving a SCF request message including a plurality of data fields including SCF request data related to a request for providing supply chain financing wherein the SCF request message is generated using a SCF messaging protocol and includes an early payment identifier, parsing the SCF request message based upon the SCF messaging protocol, selecting a financing entity for receiving the request for providing supply chain financing, storing within the memory device the SCF request data including the early payment identifier parsed from the SCF request message and the selected financing entity, transmitting an early payment message to the selected financing entity including a plurality of data fields related to providing of the supply chain financing wherein the early payment message has the same SCF messaging protocol and the early payment identifier, receiving a confirmation message from the financing entity including a plurality of data fields including SCF confirmation data related to confirming early payment to the supplier by the selected financing entity wherein the confirmation message has the same SCF messaging protocol and the early payment identifier, and storing within the memory device the SCF confirmation data with the SCF request data, wherein the early payment identifier allows for the messages to be linked together within the memory device.

In another aspect, this disclosure provides at least one non-transitory computer readable media having computer-executable instructions thereon for processing real-time messages for a supply chain financing (SCF) transaction. The messages have a standardized messaging protocol, wherein when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the at least one processor to receive a SCF request message including a plurality of data fields including SCF request data related to a request for providing supply chain financing wherein the SCF request message is generated using SCF messaging protocol and includes an early payment identifier, parse the SCF request message based upon the SCF messaging protocol, select a financing entity for receiving the request for providing supply chain financing, store within the memory device the SCF request data including the early payment identifier parsed from the SCF request message and the selected financing entity, transmit an early payment message to the selected financing entity including a plurality of data fields related to providing of the supply chain financing wherein the early payment message has the same SCF messaging protocol and the early payment identifier, receive a confirmation message from the financing entity including a plurality of data fields including SCF confirmation data related to confirming early payment to the supplier by the selected financing entity wherein the confirmation message having the same SCF messaging protocol and the early payment identifier, and store within the memory device the SCF confirmation data with the SCF request data, wherein the early payment identifier allows for the messages to be linked together within the memory device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system for real-time messaging in a supply chain financing (SCF) network.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of an example SCF transaction where a supplier makes the final, closing payment to a financing entity.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the computing devices of the example transaction of FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the example transaction of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of selecting a financing entity in the example transaction of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of an example SCF transaction where a buyer makes the final, closing payment to a financing entity.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the computing devices of the example transaction of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the example transaction of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure.

Systems and methods for real-time data messaging between computing devices in a supply chain financing (SCF) network are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may include a plurality of computing devices connected in network communication. These computing devices may include at least a supplier computing device, a buyer computing device, a financing entity computing device, and a SCF computing device. Each of these devices is configured to transmit and receive messages, wherein each message may include a specific data-rich format according to a customized and improved messaging protocol. The specific messaging format includes a plurality of data fields dedicated specifically to an SCF transaction. The computing devices connected in the SCF network may also be connected through one or more payment networks that are configured to transfer funds between the parties (e.g., an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems).

At least some known systems used for supporting SCF transactions leverage emails or spreadsheets to exchange information about the transaction. This requires manually reconciling the data with payments received and other data associated with the transaction. Requiring individuals to keep track of or proactively consolidate the received information is a time consuming administrative headache for corporate entities involved in such SCF transactions.

This disclosure provides a system and method for real-time messaging in a supply chain financing (SCF) network. The SCF network includes a first computing device, such as the supplier computing device, which may be associated with one entity (e.g., a supplier) involved in an SCF transaction. Specifically, the supplier may be a person or entity that supplies or otherwise sells an item (e.g., goods or services) to a buyer. The supplier computing device includes at least one processor in communication with a memory device, and is configured to transmit and/or receive at least one message according to the improved messaging protocol that is readable by a second computing device, such as the SCF computing device.

The SCF computing device is associated with the SCF network, and includes at least one processor in communication with a memory device. Messages sent over the SCF network between the different parties are sent through the SCF computing device. The SCF computing device receives messages from one entity, interprets the message to determine where the message should be routed, and transmits the message to the appropriate other entity. In the example embodiments, the entities in communication with the SCF computing device include the buyer, the supplier, and the financing entity. Each of the supplier, the buyer, and the financing entity has an associated computing device that sends messages to and receives messages from the SCF computing device. As explained below in further detail, the messages are formatted using the improved messaging protocol and include a plurality of specific data fields associated with the SCF transaction. SCF computing device may provide a web portal accessible by other computing devices, through which the supplier, buyer and financing entity may enter information to be transmitted according to the improved SCF messaging protocol. Thus, a message according to the improved SCF messaging protocol may be generated through the web portal provided by SCF computing device, received by the SCF computing device, and transmitted through the SCF network.

In the example embodiment, the SCF network may also include a third computing device, such as the buyer computing device, which may be associated with a buyer that is involved in an SCF transaction. Specifically, the buyer may be a person or entity that buys or otherwise obtains an item (e.g., goods or services) from the supplier in an SCF transaction. The buyer computing device includes at least one processor in communication with a memory device, and is configured to transmit and/or receive at least one message according to the improved messaging protocol that is readable by the other computing devices in the SCF network.

In the example embodiment, the SCF network may also include a fourth computing device, such as the financing entity computing device, which may be associated with one or more financing entities involved in an SCF transaction. Specifically, the financing entity may be a person or entity that provides early payment (e.g., financing) of an invoice associated with the items bought or otherwise obtained by the buyer from the supplier in the SCF transaction. The early payment is made by the financing entity to the supplier. The buyer then owes the payment of the invoice to the financing entity. The financing entity computing device includes at least one processor in communication with a memory device, and is configured to transmit and/or receive at least one message according to the improved messaging protocol that is readable by the other computing devices in the SCF network.

In the example embodiments, each of the computing devices connected in the SCF network are configured to generate, transmit, and receive messages using the improved messaging protocol described herein and specific to an SCF transaction. The different computing devices may differ with respect to being associated with a particular entity involved in the SCF transaction, but not in their capability to send, receive, encode and decode messages transmitted within the SCF network. In a given SCF transaction, for example, a single computing device may both send and receive messages, and may encode and decode said messages. With respect to a given message sent in the SCF network, a single computing device may either transmit or receive the message depending on the entity associated with the computing device and the context of the message.

In the example embodiment, the SCF messages are formatted according to a specific messaging protocol, which is specific to the SCF network. The SCF messaging protocol allows each of the computing devices, when receiving an SCF message, to automatically interpret the message including the data included in the plurality of data fields of the message. The SCF messages include a plurality of specific data fields. The specific data fields correspond to information associated with a typical SCF transaction. Because the SCF message is formatted according to the messaging protocol, the computing device receiving the message can associate data in the incoming message with the corresponding data field. In the example embodiment, the SCF improved messaging protocol is based upon a predefined standard such as the ISO 20022 messaging protocol. Basing the SCF messaging protocol on such a predefined standard allows for simplicity in implementing the system among various computing devices and the ability to leverage a large amount of data in a single message.

The specific data fields included in the SCF message correspond to information associated with a typical SCF transaction. Each of the various SCF messages sent includes a plurality of data fields. The data fields included in a particular SCF message depend on the entities sending and receiving the message, and the context of the message within the SCF transaction. The example SCF transactions described below illustrate some of the different messages that can be sent during an SCF transaction over the SCF network.

In one example SCF transaction, the final, closing payment is made by the supplier. In this example, the buyer may submit a purchase order (PO) to a supplier for items (e.g., goods or services) purchased by the buyer from the supplier. The supplier then may send an invoice to the buyer, which includes the amount owed to the seller in exchange for the items and the due date by which the amount must be paid. In many cases, the due date for payment is based on payment terms negotiated between the parties (e.g., 60 days, 90 days, 120 days, etc.). The supplier, wishing to receive payment earlier than the invoice due date, may request an early payment from one or more of the financing entities. Specifically, the supplier may submit a request through the SCF network for earlier payment. SCF computing device may select a financing entity, and transmit an SCF early payment request message to the financing entity. The financing entity may accept the request to finance an early payment and thus transfer a discounted early payment amount to the supplier's account. This transfer of funds may be facilitated using one or more payment networks (e.g., an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems).

In other words, the financing entity pays the supplier early—as discussed below a discounted amount—for the items provided to the buyer so that the supplier is able to get paid without having to wait the 60 days, 90 days, etc. The SCF computing device, on behalf of the financing entity, may send an SCF early payment confirmation message to the supplier through the SCF network. When the buyer pays the invoice amount to the supplier, the supplier may initiate the closing payment and the SCF computing device may send an SCF closing payment confirmation message to the financing entity through the SCF network. In some embodiments, the SCF computing device may also send an SCF closing payment confirmation message to the supplier and/or the buyer. The supplier may pay the original invoice amount to the financing entity. Thus, the supplier is paid a discounted amount by the financing entity for an accelerated or early payment, and, when the buyer pays the supplier the full amount on the invoice due date, the financing entity is paid the full amount in return for the accelerated payment already made to the supplier. The supplier's payment to the financing entity may also be facilitated using one or more payment networks (e.g., an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems).

In another example SCF transaction, the final, closing payment is made by the buyer. The buyer may submit a purchase order (PO) to a supplier for items. The supplier may send an invoice to the buyer, which includes the amount owed to the seller in exchange for the items and the due date (e.g., 60 days, 90 days, 120 days, etc.) by which the amount must be paid to the supplier. The SCF computing device may select a financing entity that may offer supply chain financing to the supplier. The SCF computing device, on behalf of the selected financing entity, may send an SCF early payment offer message through the SCF network. The supplier may accept the offer through the SCF network. The financing entity may credit the early payment amount to the supplier's account. This transfer of funds may be facilitated using one or more payment networks (e.g., an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems). The SCF computing device, on behalf of the financing entity, may send a SCF early payment confirmation message to the supplier and an early payment notification message to the buyer through the SCF network. When the invoice is due, the buyer may initiate the closing payment and an SCF closing payment confirmation message is sent by the SCF computing device through the SCF network. In some embodiments, the SCF computing device may also send an SCF closing payment confirmation message to the supplier and/or the buyer. The buyer may pay the original invoice amount directly to the financing entity. The buyer's payment to the financing entity may also be facilitated using one or more payment networks (e.g., an ACH system or other networks).

As illustrated in these examples, SCF messages sent can include an (i) early payment request message, (ii) an early payment offer message, (iii) an early payment confirmation message, (iv) an early payment notification message, and (v) a closing payment confirmation message. Each of the messages may contain at least some of a plurality of specific data fields associated with the SCF transaction. These data fields may include, for example, fields associated with a buyer name, a buyer address, a supplier name, a supplier address, a funding bank name, a funding bank ID, a receiving bank name, a receiving bank ID, a paying bank name, a paying bank ID, a purchase order (PO) number, an invoice number, original payment terms, an original invoice amount, an invoice (attached PDF), an invoice date of approval, a discount code, a settlement date, a discount offered, a discount applied, an early payment amount, an early payment identifier, a closing payment date, and a closing payment amount.

The early payment identifier is a unique identifier (e.g., a number or alphanumeric code) associated with an early payment in an SCF transaction. The various data transmissions, including each subsequent message in a single SCF transaction, each contain the same early payment identifier, which enables the SCF computing device to link each message together for a single SCF transaction and store this data in a central memory storage. By including the early payment identifier in each message, the system is able to create linked messages, which allows the system to better track and analyze SCF transactions.

Data fields that relate to the entities involved in the SCF transaction may include fields associated with a buyer name, a buyer address, a supplier name, a supplier address, a funding bank name, a funding bank ID, a receiving bank name, a receiving bank ID, a paying bank name, and a paying bank ID. In the examples above, the buyer name and buyer address are a name and address of the buyer, and the supplier name and address are a name and address associated with the supplier. The funding bank name and funding bank ID are a name and a unique identifier associated with the financing entity. The receiving bank name and receiving bank ID are a name and unique identifier associated with a bank where the early payment is deposited. The paying bank name and paying bank ID are a name and unique identifier associated with a bank from which the closing payment is withdrawn.

Data fields that relate to the original purchase from the supplier by the buyer may include fields associated with a purchase order (PO) number, an invoice number, original payment terms, an original invoice amount, an invoice (attached PDF), an invoice date of approval, and a discount code. The purchase order number is a identifier associated with the purchase order. The invoice number is a unique identifier associated with the invoice. The original payment terms include the amount and date by which the buyer is obligated to pay the supplier. The invoice is a copy of the original invoice attached to the message as a PDF. The original invoice amount is the amount the buyer is obligated to pay the supplier. The invoice date of approval is the date the invoice is approved. The discount code is a code included on an invoice associated with an early payment to be reconciled with the supplier's accounting system, allowing the discounted early payment to be reconciled with the original invoice.

Data fields relating to the terms of the SCF transaction itself may include fields associated with a discount applied, a discount offered, a settlement date, an early payment amount, an early payment identifier, a closing payment amount, and a closing payment date. The discount applied is the difference between the invoice amount and the amount to be paid early to the supplier by the financing entity. The discount offered is a proposed discount amount. The settlement date is the date the early payment is to settle in the supplier's account. The early payment amount is the amount the supplier receives immediately from the financing entity, equal to the invoice amount minus the discount amount. The early payment identifier, as discussed above, is a unique identifier (e.g., a number or alphanumeric code) associated with an early payment in an SCF transaction that allows the SCF computing device to link each message together from a single SCF transaction and store this data in a central memory storage. The closing payment amount is the amount to be paid to the financing entity by the due date of the original invoice, which is equal to the original invoice amount. The closing payment date is the date by which the closing payment is to be made.

In the examples above, the early payment request message may include specific data fields associated with: the buyer name, the buyer address, the supplier name, the supplier address, the purchase order (PO) number, the original payment terms, the supplier name, the supplier address, the invoice number, the invoice (attached PDF file), the original invoice amount, and the invoice date of approval.

In the examples above, the early payment offer message may include specific data fields associated with: the buyer name, the buyer address, the discount offered, the funding bank name, and a funding bank ID.

In the examples above, the early payment confirmation message may include specific data fields associated with: the buyer name, the buyer address, the purchase order (PO) number, the original payment terms, the supplier name, the supplier address, the invoice number, the invoice (attached PDF file), the original invoice amount, the invoice date of approval, the discount code, the discount applied, the early payment amount, the settlement date, the funding bank, the funding bank ID, the receiving bank, the receiving bank ID, the early payment identifier, and the closing payment date.

In the examples above, the early payment notification message may include specific data fields associated with: the supplier name, the supplier address, the invoice number, the invoice (attached PDF file), the original invoice amount, the discount applied, the early payment amount, the funding bank name, the funding bank ID, and the early payment identifier.

In the examples above, the closing payment confirmation message may include specific data fields associated with: the corporate name of the paying entity (e.g. the supplier name or the buyer name), the corporate address of the paying entity (e.g. the supplier address or the buyer address), the invoice number, the invoice (attached PDF), the original invoice amount, the payment amount, the settlement date, the paying bank ID, the paying bank name, the funding bank ID, the funding bank name, and the early payment identifier.

In other examples, the early payment request message, the early payment offer message, the early payment confirmation message, the early payment notification message, and the closing payment confirmation message each may include any of the data fields described above or other specific data fields corresponding to data in the SCF transaction.

In other examples, messages according to the improved SCF messaging protocol and including a plurality of specific data fields corresponding to the SCF transaction are sent by and received by any of the entities involved in the SCF transaction according to the needs of the particular SCF transaction. These messages may include any of the specific data fields described above or other specific data fields corresponding to data in an SCF transaction.

A message sent according to the improved messaging protocol and including specific data fields related to an SCF transaction allows for real-time data transfer in the SCF transaction along with the transfer of payments. Such a message also allows for one of the computing devices receiving the message to interpret the message and organize data contained in the message into a database, where corresponding data from corresponding SCF transactions can be associated. These advantages eliminate the need to manually reconcile received data with corresponding data and payments, and increase the efficiency with which the information can be accessed and further transfers of the information can be made. In addition, message data stored and compiled in the database can be analyzed by the SCF computing device to predict risks and outcomes of future SCF transactions and improve the functionality of the SCF network, for example, by using machine learning techniques.

The technical problems addressed by the disclosure include at least one of: (i) inefficiency due to the need to reconcile information transferred between entities involved in an SCF transaction, (ii) inefficiency due to the need to manually compile related information associated with an SCF transaction, (iii) inability to communicate between computing devices using a customized messaging protocol for an SCF transaction; (iv) inability to send large amount of data using a customized messaging protocol for an SCF transaction, and (v) inefficiency due to a lack of a standardized format for messages in an SCF transaction.

The technical effects achieved by the systems and methods described herein include at least one of: (i) receiving a request message that includes a plurality of data fields including data related to a request for supply chain financing, wherein the request message utilizes an improved messaging protocol for SCF transactions, (ii) selecting a financing entity for receiving the request message, (iii) transmitting the request message to the selected financing entity, wherein the request message utilizes the same messaging protocol, and (iv) receiving a confirmation message from the financing entity, the confirmation message being a SCF confirmation message utilizing the same messaging protocol and including a plurality of data fields.

The resulting technical benefits achieved by the systems and methods of the disclosure include at least one of: (i) the ability to send real-time, data-rich messages among entities involved in an SCF transaction having an improved and standardized messaging protocol, (ii) the ability to automatically reconcile information transferred between entities involved in an SCF transaction in a real-time message, (iii) the ability to automatically compile related information associated with an SCF transaction received in real-time messages, and (iv) the ability to automatically analyze compiled information associated with an SCF transaction.

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing an SCF network 100 for real-time messaging in a supply chain financing (SCF) transaction using an improved messaging protocol. SCF network 100 includes a supplier computing device 102, a buyer computing device 104, a financing entity computing device 106, and an SCF computing device 110.

Each of the computing devices transmits and receives messages formatted according to the improved messaging protocol. The messages have a plurality of specific data fields associated with an SCF transaction. The computing devices, upon receiving the message, automatically interpret the message, allowing the computing devices to take various further actions, for example, storing the received data in a database, reconciling data in the message with that of a previous message, routing the received message or sending a new message to a different computing device, transferring funds, or selecting a financing entity. The messages may also be linked together by common data fields existing in each message so a complete transaction history of messages may be stored in a central database. The message data may also be analyzed using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques so that decisions can be automatically made by the system and risk scores can be generated.

Supplier computing device 102 is a computing device associated with a supplier that is involved in an SCF transaction. The supplier is an entity that provides or sells items to a buyer. The supplier is often paid with a purchase order or a promise to pay the price of the item at some time in the future (e.g., 60, 90 or 120 days from receiving the item). These terms are reflected in an invoice. In an SCF transaction, the supplier typically receives a payment earlier than the due date reflected in the invoice from the financing entity. The earlier payment usually includes a discount (e.g., 2%, 3%, etc.) off of the invoiced or original payment amount. The discount is agreed to by the supplier in exchange for early payment of the discount amount by the financing entity.

Buyer computing device 104 is a computing device associated with a buyer involved in the SCF transaction. The buyer is the entity who makes the purchase from the supplier and is obligated to pay the corresponding invoice (e.g., invoiced amount or original payment amount) before the invoiced due date. In the systems and processes described herein, the buyer, in some of the SCF transactions, initiates the SCF transaction by submitting via SCF network 100 the invoice received from a supplier so the supplier can accept an early payment through an SCF transaction. In other SCF transactions, the supplier may initiate the SCF transaction by submitting via SCF network 100 the purchase order received from the buyer so the supplier can accept an early payment through an SCF transaction. In some other cases, the buyer may also act as the financing entity.

Financing entity computing device 106 is a computing device associated with the financing entity involved in the SCF transaction. The financing entity makes the early payment to the supplier, less a discount (e.g., pays the discount amount), and receives payment of the full invoice amount (e.g., original amount) when the invoice is finally due. The financing entity may be, for example, a financial institution, a bank, etc. In some cases, the financing entity may also be the buyer, where the buyer finances the early payment itself. In example embodiments, financing entity computing device 106 is capable of settling funds between accounts associated with entities such as the supplier or buyer. Funds may be transferred through, for example, one or more payment networks that are in communication with the financing entity, the supplier, and the buyer. These payment networks may include an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems that enables the transfer of funds between parties.

SCF computing device 110 includes at least one processor and a memory device in communication with the at least one processor. SCF computing device 110 receives messages using the SCF messaging protocol that include a plurality of data fields. The messages are formatted according to the SCF improved messaging protocol. SCF computing device 110 also transmits messages using the same messaging protocol. SCF computing device 110 facilitates communication through SCF network 100 between the entities associated with the SCF transaction. SCF computing device 110 is configured to receive messages from any of supplier computing devices 102, buyer computing devices 106, or financing entities computing devices 106. SCF computing device 110 then interprets the message, and takes action based on the context and contents of the message. For example, SCF computing device 110 can transmit the received message to the computing device of an appropriate entity, store received information in a database, determine a financing entity to receive an SCF request, or direct one entity to transfer funds to another entity. SCF computing device may provide a web portal accessible by supplier computing device 102, buyer computing device 104, and financing entity computing device 106, through which the supplier, buyer and financing entity may enter information to be transmitted according to the improved SCF messaging protocol. Thus, a message according to the improved SCF messaging protocol may be generated through the web portal provided by SCF computing device 110 at the supplier, buyer, or financing entity, received by SCF computing device 110, and transmitted through SCF network 100.

In the example embodiment, each of supplier computing device 102, the buyer computing device 104, the financing entity computing device 106 communicate with SCF computing device 110. Supplier computing device 102, buyer computing device 104, and financing entity computing device 106 each transmit messages including a plurality of data fields to SCF computing device 108. The messages are formatted using the same improved messaging protocol. Supplier computing device 102, buyer computing device 104, and financing entity computing device 106 each also receive messages including a plurality of data fields having the same message protocol from the SCF computing device through the SCF network. In the example embodiment, any of supplier computing device 102, buyer computing device 104, financing entity computing device 106, or SCF computing device stores the received information in the database.

The SCF improved messaging protocol is a specific format in which the plurality of specific data fields are organized. The improved messaging protocol enables each of the computing devices, when receiving a message, to read the message and associate the values contained in the specific data fields with information associated with the SCF transaction. In the example embodiment, the messaging protocol is based upon the ISO 20022 messaging scheme. The SCF messaging protocol used by SCF network 100 enables information associated with the SCF transaction to be transmitted in a single, data-rich package so that SCF transactions can be easily processed, tracked and completed.

The specific data fields include fields associated with information that relates to an SCF transaction. The data fields included in a particular message depend on the entities sending and receiving the message, and the context of the message within the SCF transaction. The specific data fields may include, for example, an early payment identifier. The early payment identifier is a unique identifier (e.g., a number or alphanumeric code) associated with an early payment in an SCF transaction. The various data transmissions, including each subsequent message in a single SCF transaction each contain the same early payment identifier, which enables the SCF computing device to link each message together from a single transaction and store this data in a central memory storage. By including the early payment identifier in each message, the system is able to create linked messages, which allows the system to better track and analyze SCF transactions.

Because the message is formatted according to a predetermined messaging protocol and contains predetermined specific data fields, each of the computing devices, when receiving the message, can organize data contained in the message, for example, into a database including data fields that correspond to the data fields of the data package. The computing device receiving the message can use unique identifiers such as the early payment identifier to determine if the received message corresponds to data previously stored in the database. Thus, the computing device receiving the message can automatically reconcile the received data with preexisting data corresponding to the same SCF transaction, store the incoming data alongside the preexisting data in the database, and update the preexisting data without the need for manual data entry.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of an example SCF transaction facilitated by SCF network 100 where a supplier 202 makes the final, closing payment to a financing entity 206. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the computing devices of the example transaction of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the example transaction of FIG. 2. The entities involved in the example transaction are supplier 202, a buyer 204, and financing entity 206.

In the example embodiment, Buyer 204 may submit a purchase order (PO) to a supplier for items (e.g., goods or services) at step 402. The PO has a unique identifier and lists items to be provided by the supplier in exchange for a payment by the buyer.

Supplier 202 may send an invoice to the buyer at step 404. The invoice has a unique identifier and payment terms. The payment terms include at least an amount to be paid for the items and a due date by which buyer 204 is obligated to make the payment (e.g., 60, 90 or 120 days from receiving the item). The invoice may be used by the supplier to obtain financing, as the invoice indicates supplier 202 will receive money in the future, from the buyer by the invoiced due date. In this example SCF transaction, supplier 202 seeks an early payment of the invoice amount. Supplier 202 may, for example, require an early payment in order to meet financial obligations due before supplier 202 receives the payment from buyer 204. Supplier 202 can use the invoice to obtain an early payment from financing entity 206. The early payment includes a discount (e.g., 2%, 3%, etc.) off of the invoiced or original payment amount. Supplier 202 is then obligated to pay the full original invoiced amount to financing entity 206 after receiving payment of the invoice from buyer 204.

Supplier 202 may request the early payment from financing entity 206 at step 406. More specifically, this request is submitted by SCF computing device 110 over SCF network 100. Supplier 202 accesses SCF network 100 via a web portal. Supplier 202 accesses the portal using a computing device 102 and enters information regarding the invoice, such as the associated buyer, the invoice number, the payment terms, and the original invoice amount. SCF computing device 110 generates the request from the information inputted by the supplier and sends the request. SCF computing device, when generating the request, may generate an early payment identifier. By including the early payment identifier in the request, the system is able to create linked messages, which allows the system to track future messages in the SCF transaction to the request.

SCF computing device 110 selects financing entity 206 at step 408. SCF computing device 110 generates an early payment identifier, which is a unique identifier associated with the SCF transaction. In some examples, SCF computing device 110 selects a financing entity by maintaining a roster of financial institutions with associated discount amounts offered by each financial institution. The financial institutions may include, for example, banks, the buyer, or other entities that provide financing. A financial institution offering a lower discount amount will make a larger early payment for the same invoice amount, so SCF computing device 110 selects the financial institution with the lowest discount amount. In other examples, SCF computing device 110 may use additional criteria in selecting the financing entity. In other examples illustrated, for example, by FIG. 5, SCF computing device 110 uses an auction to select the financing entity. SCF computing device 110 sends the early payment request message to two or more financial institutions 502, which respond with bids 504 that have a proposed discount amount. SCF computing device 110 selects the financial institution 502 offering the lowest discount amount. In other examples, SCF computing device 110 may first route the request to a bank associated with supplier 202, and resort to other methods of selecting financing entity 206 only if the supplier's bank does not accept the request. Any of these methods of selecting financing entity 206 can be performed by SCF computing device 110 automatically (e.g., based on rules stored within a memory device in communication with SCF computing device 110) or with input from individuals associated with supplier 202.

SCF computing device 110 may send an SCF early payment request message to financing entity computing device 110 at step 410. The early payment request message is formatted according to the improved SCF messaging protocol that can be understood by financing entity computing device 110. The message includes data fields associated with the request for an early payment, for example, data fields containing information about the invoice, such as the invoice number, payment terms, the original invoice amount, an attached PDF of the invoice itself, and an early payment identifier. The improved messaging protocol allows for this information to be sent in a single data-rich packet that can be easily processed by the computing devices. The early payment identifier is a unique identifier (e.g., a number or alphanumeric code) associated with an early payment in an SCF transaction. The various data transmissions, including each subsequent message in a single SCF transaction each contain the same early payment identifier, which enables SCF computing device 110 to link each message together from a single transaction and store this data in a central memory storage. By including the early payment identifier in each message, the system is able to create linked messages, which allows the system to better track and analyze SCF transactions.

Financing entity 206 may accept the request at step 412, and SCF computing device, based on input from financing entity 206, may send an early payment confirmation message through SCF network 100 at step 414 and using the improved messaging protocol. SCF computing device 110 may transmit the early payment confirmation message to supplier computing device 102. The early payment confirmation message is formatted according to the same improved messaging protocol as the early payment request message, allowing SCF computing device 110 and supplier computing device 102 to automatically interpret the early payment confirmation message. The early payment confirmation message includes specific data fields relating to the SCF transaction. These data fields include, for example, the data fields in the early payment request message, the early payment identifier, and additional fields associated with the terms of the SCF transaction, such as the discount amount, early payment amount, closing payment amount, and closing payment date. SCF computing device 110 and supplier computing device 102 can use the early payment identifier to determine which early payment request message corresponds to the early payment confirmation message. The computing devices can then reconcile incoming data with previous data associated with the same SCF transaction, link the incoming data to preexisting data in a database corresponding to the same SCF transaction, and update the preexisting data without the need for manual data entry.

Financing entity 206 transfers the early payment amount to a bank account associated with supplier 202 at step 416. Funds may be transferred through, for example, one or more payment networks that are in communication with the supplier 202, buyer 204, and financing entity 206. These payment networks may include an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems that enable the transfer of funds between parties.

Buyer 204 may pay the original invoice amount to supplier 202 by the original due date at step 418, and supplier 202 initiates the closing payment to financing entity 206 through SCF network 100. SCF computing device 110, based on input from supplier 202, may send a closing payment confirmation message to financing entity computing device 106 at step 420. The closing payment confirmation message is formatted according to the same improved messaging protocol as the previous messages, allowing SCF computing device 110 and financing entity computing device 106 to automatically interpret the closing payment confirmation message. The closing payment confirmation message includes specific data fields relating to the SCF transaction. These data fields include, for example, the data fields in the previous messages, including the early payment identifier. SCF computing device 110 and financing entity computing device 106 can use the early payment identifier to determine which previous messages correspond to the closing payment confirmation message. The computing devices can then reconcile incoming data with previous data associated with the same SCF transaction, link the incoming data to preexisting data in a database corresponding to the same SCF transaction, and update the preexisting data without the need for manual data entry. In some embodiments, SCF computing device 110 may also send an SCF closing payment confirmation message to supplier 202 and/or buyer 204.

Supplier 202 may pay the closing payment of the original invoice amount to financing entity 206 at step 422. Funds may be transferred through, for example, one or more payment networks that are in communication with the supplier 202, buyer 204, and financing entity 206. These payment networks may include an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems that enable the transfer of funds between parties.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the computing devices of the example transaction of FIG. 2. In the example transaction, supplier computing device 102 and financing entity computing device 106 communicate with SCF computing device 110. The computing devices compute using messages having the improved SCF messaging protocol, as described above. SCF computing device 110 parses messages (e.g., the early payment request message, the early payment confirmation message, and the early payment confirmation message) based upon the SCF messaging protocol and stores within a memory device the SCF data parsed from the SCF messages.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the example transaction of FIG. 2. In the example embodiment, buyer 204 may submit a purchase order (PO) to a supplier for items (e.g., goods or services) at step 402. Supplier 202 may send an invoice to the buyer at step 404. The supplier may request the early payment from financing entity 206 at step 406. SCF computing device 110 selects financing entity 206 at step 408. SCF computing device may send an SCF early payment request message to financing entity computing device 110 at step 410. Financing entity 206 may accept the request at step 412. SCF computing device 110, on behalf of financing entity 206, may send an early payment confirmation message through SCF network 100 at step 414 using a computing device 106 and using the improved messaging protocol. Financing entity may transfer the early payment amount to a bank account associated with supplier 202 at step 416. Buyer 204 may pay the original invoice amount to supplier 202 by the original due date at step 418, and supplier 202 thus may initiate the closing payment to financing entity 206 through SCF network 100. SCF computing device 110 may send a closing payment confirmation message to financing entity computing device 106 at step 420. Supplier 202 may pay the closing payment of the original invoice amount to financing entity 206 at step 422. In some embodiments, the SCF computing device may also send the closing payment confirmation message to the supplier and/or the buyer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example auction for selecting a financing entity. SCF computing device 110 may use an auction to select the financing entity. SCF computing device 110 may send an early payment request message to two or more financial institutions 502, which respond with bids 504 that have a proposed discount amount. SCF computing device 110 may select one of the bids based on rules stored within a memory device in communication with SCF computing device 110. For example, SCF computing device 110 may first attempt to select a bid from a bank associated with supplier 202, but if SCF computing device 110 has not received such a bid, SCF computing device 110 may select a bid with the most favorable discount amount.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of an example SCF transaction facilitated by SCF network 100 where a buyer 604 makes the final, closing payment to a financing entity 606. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the computing devices of the example transaction of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the example transaction of FIG. 6. The entities involved in the example transaction are a supplier 602, buyer 604, and financing entity 606.

In the example embodiment, Buyer 604 may submit a purchase order (PO) to supplier 602 for items (e.g., goods or services) at step 802. The PO has a unique identifier and lists items to be provided by the supplier in exchange for a payment by the buyer.

Supplier 602 may send an invoice to buyer 604 at step 804. The invoice has a unique identifier and payment terms. The payment terms include at least an amount to be paid for the items and a due date by which buyer 604 is obligated to make the payment (e.g., 60, 90 or 120 days from receiving the item). The invoice may be used by the supplier to obtain financing, as the invoice indicates supplier 602 will receive money in the future, from the buyer by the invoiced due date. In this example SCF transaction, buyer 604 offers an early payment to supplier 602. The early payment includes a discount (e.g., 2%, 3%, etc.) off of the invoiced or original payment amount. The early payment is financed by financing entity 606. The buyer is then obligated to pay the full original invoiced amount to financing entity 606 by the invoiced due date.

SCF computing device 110 may select a financing entity at step 806 and sends the early payment request message to the selected financing entity 606. SCF computing device 110 generates an early payment identifier, which is a unique identifier associated with the SCF transaction. In some examples, SCF computing device selects a financing entity 606 by maintaining a roster of financial institutions with associated discount amounts offered by each financial institution. The financial institutions may include, for example, banks, the buyer, or other entities that provide financing. A financial institution offering a lower discount amount will make a larger early payment for the same invoice amount, so SCF computing device 110 selects the financial institution with the lowest discount amount. In other examples, SCF computing device 110 may use additional criteria in selecting the financing entity. In other examples, SCF computing device 110 uses an auction to select financing entity 606. SCF computing device 110 sends the early payment request message to two or more financial institutions, which respond with bids having a proposed discount amount. SCF computing device 110 selects the financial institution offering the lowest discount amount or by applying some other rule designated by the supplier. In other examples, SCF computing device 110 may first route the request to a bank associated with the buyer, and resort to other methods of selecting the financing entity 606 only if the buyer's bank does not accept the request. Any of these methods of selecting financing entity 606 can be performed by SCF computing device 110 automatically or with input from individuals associated with buyer 604.

Once financing entity 606 accepts the request, SCF computing device 110, based on input from financing entity 606, may send an early payment offer message through SCF network 100 at step 808. SCF computing device may transmit the early payment offer message to supplier computing device 102. The early payment offer message is formatted according to the same improved messaging protocol as the early payment request message, allowing SCF computing device 110 and supplier computing device 102 to automatically interpret the early payment offer message. The early payment offer message includes specific data fields relating to the SCF transaction. These data fields include, for example, the data fields in the early payment request message, the early payment identifier, and additional fields associated with the proposed terms of the SCF transaction, such as the offered discount amount, offered early payment amount, closing payment amount, and closing payment date. SCF computing device 110 and supplier computing device 102 can use the early payment identifier to determine which previous messages correspond to the early payment offer message. The computing devices can then reconcile incoming data with previous data associated with the same SCF transaction, link the incoming data to preexisting data in a database corresponding to the same SCF transaction, and update the preexisting data without the need for manual data entry.

Supplier 602 may accept the offer for early payment through the SCF network 100 at step 810. SCF computing device 110, based on input from financing entity 606, may send an early payment confirmation message through SCF network 100 at step 812. SCF computing device 110 receives the early payment confirmation message from financing entity computing device 106. SCF computing device 110 may transmit the early payment confirmation message to supplier computing device 102. The early payment confirmation message is formatted according to the same improved messaging protocol as the early payment request message and early payment offer message, allowing SCF computing device 110 and supplier computing device 102 to automatically interpret the early payment confirmation message. The early payment confirmation message includes specific data fields relating to the SCF transaction. These data fields include, for example, the data fields in the early payment request and offer messages, the early payment identifier, and additional fields associated with the terms of the SCF transaction, such as the discount amount, early payment amount, closing payment amount, and closing payment date. SCF computing device 110 and supplier computing device 102 can use the early payment identifier to determine which previous messages correspond to the early payment confirmation message. The computing devices can then reconcile incoming data with previous data associated with the same SCF transaction, link the incoming data to preexisting data in a database corresponding to the same SCF transaction, and update the preexisting data without the need for manual data entry.

Financing entity 606 may transfer the early payment amount to a bank account 610 associated with the supplier at step 814. Funds may be transferred through, for example, one or more payment networks that are in communication with the supplier 602, buyer 604, and financing entity 606. These payment networks may include an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems that enable the transfer of funds between parties.

SCF computing device 110 also may send an early payment notification message to buyer 604 at step 816, to notify buyer 604 that supplier 602 has accepted the SCF offer and payment of the invoice amount should be made to financing entity 606. The early payment notification message is formatted according to the same improved messaging protocol as the previous messages, allowing buyer computing device 104 to automatically interpret the early payment notification message. The early payment notification message includes specific data fields relating to the SCF transaction. These data fields include, for example, the data fields in the previous messages, the early payment identifier, and additional fields associated with the terms of the SCF transaction, such as the discount amount, early payment amount, closing payment amount, and closing payment date. Buyer computing device 104 can use the early payment identifier to determine which previous messages correspond to the early payment notification message. The computing device can then reconcile incoming data with previous data associated with the same SCF transaction, link the incoming data to preexisting data in a database corresponding to the same SCF transaction, and update the preexisting data without the need for manual data entry.

Buyer 604 may initiate the closing payment through SCF network 100 by the original invoice due date at step 818. SCF computing device 110, based on input from buyer 604, may send a closing payment confirmation message to financing entity computing device 106 at step 820. The closing payment confirmation message is formatted according to the same improved messaging protocol as the previous messages, allowing SCF computing device 110 and financing entity computing device 106 to automatically interpret the closing payment confirmation message. The closing payment confirmation message includes specific data fields relating to the SCF transaction. These data fields include, for example, the data fields in the previous messages, including the early payment identifier. SCF computing device 110 and financing entity computing device 106 can use the early payment identifier to determine which previous messages correspond to the closing payment confirmation message. The computing devices can then reconcile incoming data with previous data associated with the same SCF transaction, link the incoming data to preexisting data in a database corresponding to the same SCF transaction, and update the preexisting data without the need for manual data entry. In some embodiments, the SCF computing device may also send a closing payment confirmation message to the supplier and/or the buyer.

Buyer 604 may pay the closing payment of the original invoice amount to financing entity 606 at step 822. Funds may be transferred through, for example, one or more payment networks that are in communication with the supplier 602, buyer 604, and financing entity 606. These payment networks may include an automated clearing house (ACH) payment system, a wire transfer system, a real-time payments system such as The Clearing House Real-Time Payments system, or other payment systems that enable the transfer of funds between parties.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the computing devices of the example transaction of FIG. 6. In the example transaction, supplier computing device 102, buyer computing device 104, and financing entity computing device 106 communicate with SCF computing device 110. The computing devices compute using messages having the improved SCF messaging protocol, as described above. SCF computing device 110 parses messages (e.g., the early payment request message, the early payment offer message, the early payment confirmation message, the early payment notification message, and the early payment confirmation message) based upon the SCF messaging protocol and stores within a memory device the SCF data parsed from the SCF messages.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the example transaction of FIG. 6. In the example embodiment, buyer 604 may submit a purchase order (PO) to supplier 602 for items (e.g., goods or services) at step 802. Supplier 602 may send an invoice to buyer 604 at step 804. SCF computing device 110 may select a financing entity at step 806 and send the early payment request message to the selected financing entity 606. SCF computing device 110, on behalf of financing entity 606, may send an early payment offer message through SCF network 100 using a computing device 106 at step 808. Supplier 602 may accept the offer for early payment through the SCF network 100 at step 810. SCF computing device 110, on behalf of financing entity 606, may send an early payment confirmation message through SCF network 100 using financing entity computing device 106 at step 812. Financing entity 606 may transfer the early payment amount to a bank account 610 associated with the supplier at step 814. SCF computing device 110 may send an early payment notification message to buyer 604 at step 816, to notify buyer 604 that supplier 602 has accepted the SCF offer and payment of the invoice amount should be made to financing entity 606. Buyer 604 may initiate the closing payment through SCF network 100 by the original invoice due date at step 818. SCF computing device 110 may send a closing payment confirmation message to financing entity computing device 106 at step 820. Buyer 604 may pay the closing payment of the original invoice amount to financing entity 606 at step 822.

Use of the disclosed systems and methods is not limited to the foregoing example SCF transactions. The example SCF transactions merely provide a context to illustrate the functionality of the disclosed systems and methods.

As will be appreciated based on the foregoing specification, the above-described embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof, wherein the technical effects described above are achieved. Any such resulting program, having computer readable code, may be embodied or provided within one or more computer-readable media, thereby making a computer program product, (i.e., an article of manufacture), according to the discussed embodiments of the disclosure. The computer-readable media may be, for example, but is not limited to, a fixed (hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor memory such as read-only memory (ROM), and/or any transmitting/receiving medium such as the Internet or other communication network or link. The article of manufacture containing the computer code may be made and/or used by executing the code directly from one medium, by copying the code from one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a network.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, “apps”, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” “computer-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium,” however, do not include transitory signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

The SCF computing device described herein may include a processor or a processing element that may employ artificial intelligence and/or be trained using supervised or unsupervised machine learning. The machine learning program may employ a neural network, which may be a convolutional neural network, a deep learning neural network, or a combined learning module or program that learns in two or more fields or areas of interest. Machine learning may involve identifying and recognizing patterns in existing data in order to facilitate making predictions for subsequent data. Models may be created based upon example inputs in order to make valid and reliable predictions for novel inputs.

Additionally or alternatively, the machine learning programs may be trained by inputting sample data sets or certain data into the programs, such as image data, text data, report data, and/or numerical analysis. The machine learning programs may utilize deep learning algorithms that may be primarily focused on pattern recognition, and may be trained after processing multiple examples. The machine learning programs may include Bayesian program learning (BPL), voice recognition and synthesis, image or object recognition, optical character recognition, and/or natural language processing—either individually or in combination. The machine learning programs may also include natural language processing, semantic analysis, automatic reasoning, and/or machine learning.

In supervised machine learning, a processing element may be provided with example inputs and their associated outputs, and may seek to discover a general rule that maps inputs to outputs, so that when subsequent novel inputs are provided the processing element may, based upon the discovered rule, accurately predict the correct output. In unsupervised machine learning, the processing element may be required to find its own structure in unlabeled example inputs. In one embodiment, machine learning techniques may be used to extract data about the computer device, services executing on the computer device, and/or other data.

In the systems and methods described herein, the SCF computing device may use artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze the SCF transaction data stored in the central database for several purposes. For example, (i) automatic decision making, such as making decisions for selecting a financing entity or financing entities providing bidding on an SCF transaction; and (ii) risk analysis, such as evaluating each SCF transaction to determine a risk score corresponding to the riskiness of the SCF transaction, such that a financing entity can use the risk score to determine, for example, whether to engage in the transaction and appropriate financing rates for the transaction.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing device configured to implement a supply chain financing (SCF) network for processing real-time SCF messages for a SCF transaction, the computing device comprising at least one processor and memory device in communication with the at least one processor, the at least one processor configured to: provide a portal accessible for information entry by each of a supplier computing device, a buyer computing device, and a financing entity computing device, the portal configured to generate the SCF messages formatted according to a standardized SCF messaging protocol automatically in response to information entered through the portal, the standardized SCF messaging protocol including a plurality of data fields dedicated specifically to SCF transactions; receive a first SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF request data entered through the portal by the supplier computing device, the SCF request data defining a request for providing supply chain financing of an invoice, the first SCF message including an early payment identifier and the SCF request data; parse the first SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with an early payment request message; select a financing entity for receiving the first SCF message; store within the memory device the SCF request data in association with the early payment identifier parsed from the SCF request message and the selected financing entity; route the first SCF message to the financing entity computing device associated with the selected financing entity; receive a second SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF confirmation data entered through the portal by the financing entity computing device, the SCF confirmation data defining terms for early payment to the supplier by the selected financing entity, the second SCF message including the SCF confirmation data and the early payment identifier; parse the second SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with an early payment confirmation message, including determining based on the early payment identifier that the second SCF message corresponds to the first SCF message sent by the supplier computing device; store within the memory device the SCF confirmation data in association with the early payment identifier, thereby linking the SCF confirmation data to the SCF request data within the memory device; and route the second SCF message to the supplier computing device.
 2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the standardized SCF messaging protocol is based on an internationally recognized messaging standard for transfer of information between financial institutions.
 3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit a third SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol to one of the supplier computing device and the buyer computing device, the third SCF message requesting a closing SCF payment and including the SCF confirmation data, and the early payment identifier.
 4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a fourth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to closing payment data entered through the portal by one of the supplier computing device and the buyer computing device, the closing payment data indicating an SCF closing payment, the fourth SCF message including the closing payment data and the early payment identifier; parse the fourth SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with a closing payment message, including determining based on the early payment identifier that the fourth SCF message corresponds to the second SCF message sent by the financing entity computing device; store within the memory device the closing payment data in association with the early payment identifier, thereby linking the closing payment data to the SCF request data and the SCF confirmation data within the memory device; and route a fifth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol to the financing entity computing device, the fifth SCF message including the closing payment data and the early payment identifier.
 5. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a sixth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF offer data entered through the portal by the financing entity computing device, the SCF offer data defining an offer for supply chain financing of the invoice, the sixth SCF message including the SCF offer data and the early payment identifier; parse the sixth SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with an offer message, including determining based on the early payment identifier that the sixth SCF message corresponds to the first SCF message sent by the supplier computing device; store within the memory device the SCF offer data in association with the early payment identifier, thereby linking the SCF offer data to the SCF request data; and route the sixth SCF message to the supplier computing device.
 6. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to select the financing entity based on rules stored within the memory device.
 7. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured, when selecting a financing entity, to: transmit requests for bids to a plurality of potential financing entities; receive a bid from at least one of the potential financing entities; and select a financing entity associated with the received bid based on rules stored within the memory device in communication with the computing device.
 8. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the SCF messaging protocol includes data fields corresponding to at least one of: a buyer name, a buyer address, a supplier name, a supplier address, a funding bank name, a funding bank ID, a receiving bank name, a receiving bank ID, a paying bank name, a paying bank ID, a purchase order (PO) number, an invoice number, original payment terms, an original invoice amount, an invoice (attached PDF), an invoice date of approval, a discount code, a discount applied, a discount offered, a settlement date, an early payment amount, the early payment identifier, a closing payment amount, and a closing payment date.
 9. A computer-implemented method for implementing a supply chain financing (SCF) network for processing real-time SCF messages for a SCF transaction, the method implemented by a computing device comprising at least one processor and memory device in communication with the at least one processor, the method comprising: providing a portal accessible for information entry by each of a supplier computing device, a buyer computing device, and a financing entity computing device, the portal configured to generate the SCF messages formatted according to a standardized SCF messaging protocol automatically in response to information entered through the portal, the standardized SCF messaging protocol including a plurality of data fields dedicated specifically to SCF transactions; receiving a first SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF request data entered through the portal by the supplier computing device, the SCF request data defining a request for supply chain financing of an invoice, the first SCF message including an early payment identifier and the SCF request data; parsing the first SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identifying contents of data fields associated with an early payment request message; selecting a financing entity for receiving the first SCF message; storing within the memory device the SCF request data in association with the early payment identifier and the selected financing entity; routing the first SCF message to the financing entity computing device associated with the selected financing entity; receiving a second SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF confirmation data entered through the portal by the financing entity computing device, the SCF confirmation data defining terms for early payment to the supplier by the selected financing entity, the second SCF message including the SCF confirmation data and the early payment identifier; storing within the memory device the SCF confirmation data in association with the early payment identifier thereby linking the SCF confirmation data to the SCF request data within the memory device; and route the second SCF message to the supplier computing device.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the SCF messaging protocol is based on an internationally recognized messaging standard for transfer of information between financial institutions.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises transmitting a third SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol to one of the supplier computing device and the buyer computing device, the third SCF message requesting a closing SCF payment and including the SCF confirmation data and the early payment identifier.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises: receiving a fourth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to closing payment data entered through the portal by one of the supplier computing device and the buyer computing device, the closing payment data indicating an SCF closing payment, the fourth SCF message including the closing payment data and the early payment identifier; parsing the fourth SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with a closing payment message, including determining based on the early payment identifier that the fourth SCF message corresponds to the second SCF message sent by the financing entity computing device; storing within the memory device the closing payment data in association with the early payment identifier, thereby linking the closing payment data to the SCF request data and the SCF confirmation data, within the memory device; and routing a fifth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol to the selected financing entity computing device, the fifth SCF message including the closing payment data and the early payment identifier.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises: receiving a sixth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF offer data entered through the portal by the financing entity computing device, the SCF offer data defining an offer for supply chain financing of the invoice, the sixth SCF message including the SCF offer data and the early payment identifier; parsing the sixth SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with an offer message, including determining based on the early payment identifier that the sixth SCF message corresponds to the first SCF message sent by the supplier computing device; storing within the memory device the SCF offer data in association with the early payment identifier, thereby linking the SCF offer data to the SCF request data; and routing the sixth SCF message to the supplier computing device.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises selecting a financing entity based on rules stored within the memory device.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured, when selecting a financing entity, to: transmit requests for bids to a plurality of potential financing entities; receive a bid from at least one of the potential financing entities; and select a financing entity associated with the received bid based on rules stored within the memory device in communication with the computing device.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the SCF messaging protocol includes data fields corresponding to at least one of: a buyer name, a buyer address, a supplier name, a supplier address, a funding bank name, a funding bank ID, a receiving bank name, a receiving bank ID, a paying bank name, a paying bank ID, a purchase order (PO) number, an invoice number, original payment terms, an original invoice amount, an invoice (attached PDF), an invoice date of approval, a discount code, a discount applied, a discount offered, a settlement date, an early payment amount, the early payment identifier, a closing payment amount, and a closing payment date.
 17. At least one non-transitory computer readable media having computer-executable instructions thereon for implementing a supply chain financing (SCF) network for processing real-time SCF messages for a supply chain SCF transaction, wherein when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the at least one processor to: provide a portal accessible for information entry by each of a supplier computing device, a buyer computing device, and a financing entity computing device, the portal configured to generate the SCF messages formatted according to a standardized SCF messaging protocol automatically in response to information entered through the portal, the standardized SCF messaging protocol including a plurality of data fields dedicated specifically to SCF transactions; receive a first SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF request data entered through the portal by the supplier computing device, the SCF request data defining a request for supply chain financing of an invoice, the first SCF message including an early payment identifier and the SCF request data; parse the first SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with an early payment request message; select a financing entity for receiving the first SCF message; store within the memory device the SCF request data in association with the early payment identifier and the selected financing entity; route the first SCF message to the financing entity computing device associated with the selected financing entity; receive a second SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF confirmation data entered through the portal by the financing entity computing device, the SCF confirmation data defining terms for early payment to the supplier by the selected financing entity, the second SCF message including the SCF confirmation data and the early payment identifier; store within the memory device the SCF confirmation data in association with the early payment identifier, thereby linking the SCF confirmation data to the SCF request data within the memory device; and route the second SCF message to the supplier computing device.
 18. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the SCF messaging protocol is based on an internationally recognized messaging standard for transfer of information between financial institutions.
 19. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to transmit a third SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol to one of the supplier computing device and the buyer computing device, the third SCF message requesting a closing SCF payment and including the SCF confirmation data and the early payment identifier.
 20. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: receive a fourth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to closing payment data entered through the portal by one of the supplier computing device and the buyer computing device, the closing payment data indicating an SCF closing payment, the fourth SCF message including the closing payment data and the early payment identifier; parse the fourth SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with a closing payment message, including determining based on the early payment identifier that the fourth SCF message corresponds to the second SCF message sent by the financing entity computing device; store within the memory device the closing payment data in association with the early payment identifier, thereby linking the closing payment data to the SCF request data and the SCF confirmation data within the memory device; and route a fifth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol to the financing entity computing device, the fifth SCF message including the closing payment data and the early payment identifier.
 21. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: receive a sixth SCF message formatted according to the standardized SCF messaging protocol in response to SCF offer data entered through the portal by the financing entity computing device, the SCF offer data related to defining an offer for providing supply chain financing of the invoice, the sixth SCF message including the SCF offer data and the early payment identifier; parse the sixth SCF message based upon the SCF messaging protocol and identify contents of data fields associated with an offer message, including determining based on the early payment identifier that the sixth SCF message corresponds to the first SCF message sent by the supplier computing device; store within the memory device the SCF offer data in association with the early payment identifier, thereby linking the SCF offer data to the SCF request data; and route the sixth SCF message to the supplier computing device. 